On July 8, while attending the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.

The two deputy prime ministers agreed to prioritize increasing high-level exchanges and contacts, connecting infrastructure, transportation, and border gates, further promoting trade cooperation, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, and expanding tourism cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn on 8/7. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn on 8/7. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son's proposals on facilitating Vietnamese businesses to increase investment in Cambodia, as well as increasing Vietnam's export of cement, iron, steel, and construction materials to Cambodia.

The two sides will closely coordinate on issues of border demarcation, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese people in Cambodia in the spirit of good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, long-term sustainable cooperation.

After Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn mentioned Cambodia's perspective on the tensions with Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam hopes the two countries will resolve the issue peacefully and amicably, strengthen ASEAN solidarity, and contribute positively to building a strong ASEAN Community and a peaceful, stable, cooperative, and developed region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son meets with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son meets with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also met with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. In response to Mr. Maris's sharing about the Thailand-Cambodia situation, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Vietnam is closely following the situation and hopes that the two countries will avoid escalating tensions and quickly resolve the issue through peaceful and amicable dialogue.

Vietnam and Thailand strive to soon achieve a trade turnover of 25 billion USD and promote the effective implementation of the "Three Connects" strategy (connecting supply chains, businesses and localities, and sustainable development strategies).

The two countries committed to not allowing any individual or organization to use their territory to oppose the other, and to effectively exploit new potential areas such as science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, digital economy, green economy, renewable energy, and energy transition.

The Thai Foreign Minister proposed that the two sides exchange new methods to promote tourism cooperation, ensure food security, and facilitate private sector cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son agreed and affirmed his support for tourism connectivity initiatives within ASEAN and strengthening connectivity within the ACMECS framework. He also requested Thailand to continue facilitating the Vietnamese community in Thailand.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations and support each other at multilateral forums; consolidate solidarity and promote ASEAN's central role in international and regional issues; cooperate in Mekong sub-regional development and sustainable management and use of Mekong River water resources; support peace, stability, security, safety, maritime and air freedom in the South China Sea on the basis of international law and UNCLOS 1982, and coordinate views at the BRICS forum.

Vu Hoang